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We here at Zoom In Online realize that you probably spend so much time perusing our site that you may occasionally look up from your web browsing and notice that multiple days have passed.  We appreciate that.  While we can't make up for your lost days of work or missing your spouse's/friend's/relative's/child's birthday, we can update you on what you're missing in the outside world - what DVDs are being released, for instance.  Check Zoom In Online every Tuesday to keep tabs on all the DVD and Blu-ray releases for the week.

October 20, 2009

Significant Titles Include:

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen Single-Disc Edition / Two-Disc Special Edition / Box Set: Sam Witwicky, played by Shia LaBeouf, heads off to college to study astronomy with hopes of finally leading a somewhat normal life.  But his plans are sidetracked when he's unexpectedly called on to save the world against the evil Decepticons.  Again.  Both the DVD and Blu-ray feature over three hours of in-depth special features that include the multi-chapter documentary, "The Human Factor: Exacting Revenge of the Fallen," that includes interviews with the cast and crew and chronicles the entire making of the film.  The discs also include an all-access featurette called "A Day with Bay," following director Michael Bay to Tokyo for the film's world premiere.  Also look out for a comprehensive exploration of the “confidential files” on a dozen of the characters featured in the film, multi-angle breakdowns of some of the most sensational action sequences and a series of extended scenes.  The blu-ray and two-disc DVD packages also will feature reality technology that allows buyers to interact with a holographic image of Optimus Prime using their webcams.  Exclusively on Blu-ray, find "The Allspark Experiment," where you can customize an Allspark vehicle with a selection of accessories, "NEST: Transformers Data-Hub," offering 3D spin galleries of each new robot and "Giant Effing Movie," for an even more personal look at the movie during its development.  Last but not least, check out the Blu-ray special, "The Matrix of Marketing," an archive of the film's promotional media.  Now Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen can rob even more of your life and soul away.
Format: DVD and Blu-ray

Planes, Trains and Automobiles (Those Aren't Pillows Edition): Writer and director John Hughes created this classic Steve Martin comedy back in 1987 about a guy named Neal who just wants to get back to Chicago for the holidays.  However, when his flight lands in Wichita on account of a dangerous snowstorm, Neal is forced to reconsider his much less appealing options.  In comes Del Griffith, played by the late John Candy, a shower curtain ring salesman who decides to accompany Neal on his journey, for better or for worse.  Special DVD features include "Getting There is Half the Fun: The Story of Planes, Trains and Automobiles," "John Hughes for Adults," "A Tribute to John Candy" and a deleted scene entitled "Airplane Food."
Format: DVD only

Cheri: Ah, romance in the 19th century—age difference, power struggle, class divide, sex, basically everything that still exists in relationships today.  But it's fun to see all those Belle Epoque period dresses and hear all those proper lines delivered in (at least in Rupert Friend's case) a wishy-washy accent.  From Dangerous Liaisons director, Stephen Frears comes this seductive tale starring Michelle Pfeiffer as Lea, a courtesan hired by Madame Peloux (Kathy Bates) to teach her 19-year-old son, Cheri, about the wayward ways of women.  But naturally, the sophisticated Lea and the charming Cheri's student-teacher relationship quickly turns into something more and before they know it, they're fighting to keep their controversial love affair alive.  Watch "The Making of Cheri," deleted scenes and a widescreen version of the film on the DVD and Blu-ray special features section.
Format: DVD and Blu-ray

Numb3rs Season Five: Two brothers, one a special agent and the other a mathematical genius, work together as one of the best crime-solving teams within the FBI.  In season five, Don (Rob Morrow) begins to explore Judaism, and none too soon.  Buck Winters escapes from prison and stabs Don, nearly costing him his life.  David Krumholtz's character, Charlie, feels responsible for the stabbing and turns his focus to consultation work as a result.  He also turns his focus to the sexy Amita, popping a question that could potentially make or break their relationship forever. Special features include cast and crew commentaries on select episodes, "Crunching Numb3rs: Season Five," "Celebrating 100," deleted scenes and a blooper reel.
Format: DVD only

For more information on upcoming DVD releases visit Joblo's DVD Clinic.

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This blog has been contributed by Film & TV Channel assistant Kristen Berke.